After any tragic or traumatic event, people act out and grieve in different ways. But, when it starts to become all too common — too familiar — it is a real problem, and that is where the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement comes in. When justice isn't served, when violence is used and when innocent, harmless human beings are murdered for the color of their skin, we learn that all lives DON'T matter, because of the constant threat to black lives. All lives cannot matter until black lives do.

But, of course, there are many things about this movement which people do not understand. Many people, unfortunately, still believe that reverse racism exists, that this isn't happening because of race and that the BLM movement is only creating a divide between different races. Sadly enough, these are all things that anyone with the ability to educate his or herself about the movement and the social injustice that has been going on in our country can easily learn are not true. You cannot oppress the oppressor, you cannot deny that black lives aren't targeted by the law enforcement and you cannot believe that this movement is separating the races when it is only used to create equality. Races have been separated for hundreds and hundreds of years, and although much progress has been made during that time, it all feels like history is repeating itself.

This movement isn't used to make white people feel oppressed, either. Any white American with a decent understanding of the issues or harbor any sort of anger and frustration because of these issues will know that we still can stand with this movement and these black Americans who fear for their lives and their family's. If you are white, you are allowed to be furious, disturbed and outraged. But, you have to do more than just that, because it will never be enough. Use your privilege to educate others, peacefully protest, spread the word and bring attention to injustice, police brutality and murder. Not everyone has a powerful voice, but many voices speaking at once cannot go ignored. Do more than just feel sorry — you won't ever understand the pain or the suffering of these people, but you can listen, you can stand with them, and you can push toward social justice and equality in this country.

Black lives matter does not mean other lives don't; black lives matter means that they matter just as much as everyone else's do. We are human beings, but we are not all one race, we are not all equal until we make it that way. We have more power than we may think. Support the movement, do your part, and lets fight for the equality and safety for our beautiful black Americans. We are holding your hands, and we will not give up.

#BLACKLIVESMATTER #SAYTHEIRNAMES